The U.S. has accepted a Boeing 747-8 jet gifted by Qatar, slated to become the next Air Force One for President Trump. Lawmakers say this violates the Foreign Emoluments Clause, forbidding gifts from foreign states. Trump claims it would be a gift to the Department of Defense, suggesting its immediate use is plausible. However, experts assert significant modifications to meet Air Force One standards could take years, contrasting Trump's optimistic timeline. Current plans for new Air Force One jets are already delayed, highlighting challenges in rapidly employing the gifted aircraft.
"It just seems to me an interesting dream that President Trump has to bring this plane online very quickly," says Ken Walsh, a journalist who has covered the White House for decades.
Experts warn that no matter how luxurious the plane is, it would take years to rework it to meet the current standards set for Air Force One.
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